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Seems some
of her regular patrons had interest in little girls as well. Better to get rid
of me than to let me cut into her profits. The man she worked for had ambitions
of his own. I was seven years old the first time he--” She wiped a tear from
her cheek with the back of her hand. “Even if I wanted children--which I
don’t--” she solemnly spoke, “he made sure I wouldn’t have them.”
    Train made a move toward her.
    “Don’t try to console me.” She looked away
from him. “My memories let me know I’m still alive. By God’s grace and my own
wits, I found a way to survive. But I’m not ashamed of what I do now.”
    “I’m sorry, Marion.”
    “Don’t apologize.”
    “I just meant that I do understand.” He put
his hand on her shoulder when she turned away from him.
    “What you should understand is that there is
no reason I’d ever consider marriage.” She struggled pulling herself up onto
Midnight Dancer. Then, barely in the saddle, Marion kicked Midnight Dancer with
her heel, and shouted, “Ha!”

 
    Chapter Three
     
    Train and Marion rode silently along the
well-worn trail. He experienced a gamut of conflicting emotions as he watched
her. Reconciling the beautiful and feisty woman with the tormented child inside
was difficult. She appeared strong and self-assured, but anyone who had
experienced immense grief at the hands of those responsible for her safety
would erect walls of protection. He had a few himself. She’d needed someone to
protect her.
    “I shouldn’t have pushed,” he said quietly.
“We were having a nice afternoon, and now it’s uncomfortable between us.”
    “I shouldn’t have unloaded on you.”
    Train stopped his horse, dismounted, and
held his hand out to help her from Midnight Dancer. He kept his hands on her
waist after her feet touched the ground. “I can handle it.” He pushed a tendril
of wet hair from her cheek. “No more talk of courting, marriage, or children. I
won’t make the rest of your visit difficult.”
    She let her hands rest on his arms. “That’s
a deal.”
    His muscles tensed under her fingertips. “I
won’t be making any more bets with you. I won’t survive another loss.”
    “Everything about this place unnerves me.”
She looked up into his eyes. “I’ve never talked about my mother. I don’t like
talking about her.” Her voice trembled. “I don’t like sharing my past. I don’t
want folks feeling sorry for me.”
    “Your secrets are safe with me.” Train
looked out over her shoulder when he heard approaching horses. “They’re back.
Smile, or Allison will be all over you with questions.”
    Marion wiped under her eyes before turning around. Her hand flew to her mouth, failing
to catch her laugh before it escaped her lips. “I guess we don’t need to know
what kept you two.”
    Train tried to focus on the toe of his boot
digging in the dirt, but his chest vibrated, trying to hold in a laugh.
    “What are you insinuating?” Allison asked
with mock annoyance.
    TJ leaned over and plucked a twig from her
hair. “Sorry,” he said without any remorse in his tone. “I missed a few.” He
brushed off her back a little better, but dirt clung to her dress.
    Allison’s cheeks flamed red.
    “I take it your horses don’t need a rest,”
Train said without looking at his friend and boss. “I think we’re ready, too.”
He helped Marion back on her horse. A secret smile passed between them.
     
    The sun was dipping low in the horizon when
they returned to the homestead. “Is anyone else hungry?” TJ asked when they
dismounted in front of the stables.
    “Why don’t Marion and I make dinner while
the two of you take care of the horses?” Allison smiled at her brilliant idea.
    “You want me to cook? Bad idea.” Marion put up her hands in surrender.
    Train came up behind her and put his hand on
her shoulder. “You two go ahead. We’ll pass. Marion wants to learn about
horses.”
    Allison leaned into TJ. “I guess that